Do you ever wonder if what you’re putting on your face or body is safe? I’ve been experimenting with natural makeup and ethical skincare for the past few months, but I’m no expert. So I asked professional makeup artist and personal stylist Fanny Woo to share her tips on becoming more conscious in your skincare and beauty regimen. Here’s what she had to say:

We all know that a lot beauty and personal-care products contain toxic chemicals. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, more than 80,000 chemicals are registered for use in the United States. With an estimate of 2,000 new chemicals introduced each year, no one knows the effects they have on our health. YIKES!

Some companies even state that their products are “natural” or “all-natural” because those words are not regulated labeling terms. From personal experience, reading the ingredients alone can make your head spin.

Here is a fantastic infographic about ingredients to avoid, from mindbodygreen:

The good news for us is that we have options. There are many brands that are beauty conscious. It can get pretty overwhelming when you are on the hunt for an environmentally friendly product that is just as effective as the chemically formulated ones. If you are interested in greening your beauty and skincare, here are some pointers:

1. Go cruelty-free/vegan

If you are going to start anywhere, start by purchasing products that have not been tested on animals. With so much advanced technology, there is no reason why animals are still being used for testing.

2. Get savvy

Next, pay attention to what’s in your products. For product ratings based on toxicity, use the Environmental Working Group (EWG) cosmetic and skincare database. I was shocked when I entered my children’s sunscreen and bath products.

3. Try DIY

While you’re at it, why not try your hand at making your own skin care products? Pinterest, Youtube, and DIY books, oh my! Here are two of my favorite blogs for some DIY inspo:

4. Discover

If you are like me, you love discovering new brands and supporting small businesses that are trying to make a big impact. There is always Etsy.

And if you don’t have the time or energy to research, check out Glowing Beets, a subscription box company that curates conscious beauty products and delivers right to your doorstep monthly.

5. Protect

Last but not least, remember to protect your skin! Sunscreen, sunscreen, sunscreen. Click here for EWG’s most recent guide to sunscreens.

With just a little bit of effort, you too can become a conscious beauty!

Want more?

Join Fanny and Kate for a free, live Q&A call next Wednesday, February 3rd at 11am Pacific. During the call, we’ll talk more about how to create an eco-friendly beauty regimen and Fanny’s favorite skincare and beauty products.

And, let us know in the comments what questions you have so we can be sure to cover them!

Fanny Woo is a make-up artist and personal stylist in Northern California. She loves helping her clients transform and loves the challenge of solving their style conundrums. She believes that style and beauty can be on any budget, staying true to yourself, and that style comes from within. Her clients include busy professionals, moms, movers and shakers, do-gooders, glass ceiling shatterers, the non-famous, the college student, the husband, basically anyone that needs a little help with their image.

When she isn’t working with clients or spending time with her family she’s working on her passion project, Monday Sparkles, a subscription box for tween girls inspired by raising two daughters in today’s world. You can find Fanny on her website or via Instagram or Facebook.